Iranian President Urges Detailed Report on Jeddah Airport Abuse Case

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani ordered the country’s officials to seriously follow up a case in connection with the molestation of two Iranian teen pilgrims in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah’s airport, demanding a comprehensive report for making a decision.

In a Saturday letter to the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati, President Rouhani tasked the country’s officials at the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization and the Foreign Ministry to stay in touch with the Saudi officials and pursue the case seriously.

He also called on the Iranian officials to make sure that the offenders are punished and the security of the Iranian pilgrims are guaranteed.

The President also demanded a “precise and comprehensive” report for later decision.

Earlier in the day, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Expatriates' Affairs Hassan Qashqavi said Riyadh has voiced "deep regret" over the "embarrassing" incident.

The perpetrators are in custody and the prosecutor general is working on the case, Qashqavi quoted the Saudi official as saying.

The two Iranian teenage boys were harassed by the Saudi officers at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport when the offenders took them away during body search, citing suspicion.